The Maharashtra government on Tuesday allotted a prime plot in Andheri to actor and BJP Member of Parliament (MP) Hema Malini at a nominal price to set up a classical dance school and a cultural complex.

The land, measuring 2,000 square metres and estimated to be worth more than Rs 20 crore as per the ready reckoner rates, is situated in the western suburbs. It has been allotted to Natya Vihar Kala Kendra charity trust headed by the actor.

The decision to allocate the land came after 19 years as Hema Malini had applied for the land to the Maharashtra government back in 1996. State revenue minister Eknath Khadse announced the decision on Tuesday. He even handed over the order copy to the actor at his official residence.

According to Vinod Sampat, president, Registration Fee and Stamp Duty Payers’ Association, the total cost of the land would be around Rs21 crore. “As per the current ready reckoner rate, the cost of the land in Ambivali, Andheri, works out to around Rs1,01,400 per square metre. Going by this, the total cost of the land works out to around Rs21 crore,” he said.

But, the charitable trust does not have to pay the cost of the land as per the existing ready reckoner rates.

According to the existing policy of the Maharashtra government, in such cases, a charitable trust and education trust would have to pay only 25% of the cost of the land as per the rates on February 1, 1976, said a senior officer from the revenue department.

“It means Hema Malini would have to pay a few lakh against the prime plot,” the officer said.

Confirming this, Khadse said the allotment was done as per the existing government policy.

“We have followed all rules before taking the decision. Besides, 16 conditions have been imposed on the trust that it needs fulfill,” Khadse told Hindustan Times.

When asked about the amount the trust needs to pay against the allotted land, he said the valuation of the land would be done by the suburban collector, that too as per rates applicable on February 1, 1976.